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AED Response Program

Environmental Health and Safety

The University of Texas at Tyler has instituted an Automated External Defibrillator
(AED) Response Program under the medical direction of Dr. Dudley Goulden, professor
of medicine, Division of Cardiology, The University of Texas Health Science Center
at Tyler.

AEDs are currently stationed (with more to be added in upcoming years) in the following
locations:

Police Department, Physical Plant Mobile Unit

Administration Building, 3rd Floor, Behind General Reception Desk

Library, 2nd Floor, Circulation Desk

Cowan Center, 1st Floor, Usher's Room

Nursing Building, Dean’s Office

Student Affairs/Athletics Office, University Center

What is an AED and how does it work?

The AED is an electronic device that delivers a shock to restore the rhythm of a fibrillating
heart. When an adult experiences a heart attack that becomes a sudden cardiac arrest
(sudden, abrupt loss of heart function), the heart most often goes into uncoordinated
electrical activity called ventricular fibrillation. During this condition the heart
twitches ineffectively and can't pump blood, and death can occur within minutes. An
AED contains a microprocessor that analyzes and detects this type of heart rhythm
through adhesive pads on a victim's chest, judges whether defibrillation is needed,
and then recommends a shock be delivered. The shock stuns the heart muscle, which
gives it the opportunity to resume beating effectively. AEDs can save lives.

How common is sudden cardiac arrest (SCA)?

SCA is one of the leading causes of death in the United States. The American Heart
Association estimates that at least 250,000 people suffer from SCA each year. The
median age of victims is 65, but it can affect all ages.

Why are AEDs important in the workplace?

For every minute that passes without defibrillation of a heart in ventricular fibrillation,
a victim's chance of survival decreases 7-10%, therefore, the faster the response
time, the greater the victim's chance of survival. City first responders send an AED
on every medical call, but given variables such as recognition of an emergency, 911
call, dispatch, traffic and travel time, it is quite conceivable that city first responders
would not get an AED to a victim's side in the ideal time frame of three to five minutes.
UT System Administration's AED Response Program enables trained employees to respond
to a medical emergency that requires defibrillation.

AED Training

The cornerstone of the AED Response Program is training for responders who will operate
an AED in the event of a medical emergency. All UT Tyler AED responders must complete
the American Heart Assocation's Heartsave AED (AED/CPR) Program. A four-hour refresher
class is required every two years to remain certified.

The Department of Environmental Health & Safety offers this training to any UT Tyler
employee interested in becoming an AED responder. Our goal is to have at least three
trained individuals in each building where an AED is located. If you are interested
in becoming an AED responder, please contact EH&S at 903.566.7011.

Liability Issues

Texas HB 580 explicitly extends and broadens Good Samaritan protection for "citizen"
AED providers, their medical director, AED manufacturers and training providers (aside
from negligence, of course). As long as AED providers maintain the necessary training
and the AEDs are used in accordance with our medical standing orders, we're in good
shape.

Questions

Should you have any questions and/or would like additional information on UT Tyler’s
AED Program, please feel free to contact EH&S at 566-7011.